Local children entering kindergarten next month will again have an
opportunity to celebrate the beginning of their school years with the
Kindergarten Kickoff. The fifth annual city-wide celebration is made
possible through a unique partnership among the Lincoln Public Schools
(LPS), the Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln City Libraries and the City
of Lincoln.

“Kindergarten Kickoff is a celebration,” said Dr. Susan Gourley, LPS
Superintendent. “Kindergarten is a special time of excitement and
wonderment for the child, a milestone for the families, and new
opportunities for the caring and dedicated teachers of LPS who take most
seriously their responsibility of making each child’s first educational
experience a positive one. A strong first year of school establishes a
basis for learning for a lifetime. In this year’s class of kindergarten
students, an artist, a future mayor, a medical doctor, a health care
provider, a teacher and a business leader will emerge.”

Kindergarten Kickoff also supports Lincoln children as they make the
transition from home to school. Gourley noted that LPS again will set a
record for kindergarten enrollment this year. “We will welcome nearly
2,700 kindergartners this year, and we appreciate and value the community’s
support for our children as they begin their school experience.”

All children registered to attend kindergarten in Lincoln public and
private schools this fall were mailed an invitation encouraging them to
visit a Lincoln City Library, register for their very own library card and
receive a free Kindergarten Kickoff tee shirt. Kindergartners wearing
their tee shirts will be admitted free to the Children’s Museum, 1420 “P”
Street, for one of four scheduled celebrations (see attached schedule) from
5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 6 through Thursday, August 9. Family members
are encouraged to attend and will receive free admission. At the Lincoln
Children’s Museum celebrations, all incoming kindergartners will receive a
free book, “Max and Ruby Play School” by Rosemary Wells.

The annual Kindergarten Kickoff celebration continues to grow in
popularity. Although the number of kindergarten students attending
decreased slightly from 2005 to 2006, the overall attendance, including
parents and family members, increased from 3,997 in 2005 to 5,063 in 2006.

Those wanting additional information on the Kindergarten Kickoff can call
Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, at 441-8565, or visit the City Library
Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: library).